The Political System of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh

• 04.12.2015, 23:10
• Greta Avetisyan
•  "Insight" Analytical Center ,  NKR,  Info

The Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh, in spite of many difficulties continues developing and becoming a real democratic country, an example for many countries. On May 3 elections of the National Assembly of NKR is scheduled, which, as the process of the campaign shows, is going to become another sign of a democratic country. To see where the roots of democracy in Karabakh or as it is very often called in Artsakh comes, it is important to understand the state system of the country.

On December 10, 1991 a referendum was held in Nagorno-Karabakh as a result of which the majority of the population (99.98%) voted in favor of full independence from Azerbaijan.  Following the referendum, on December 28 parliamentary elections were held and the first government was formed. On September 2, 1991 a joint session of the People's Deputies of the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region and Shahumian regional councils, declared the establishment of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR).

From that time on, despite the war and many hardships that till now are caused by Azerbaijan, NKR has been developing and strengthening. As it is written on the official website of the President of NKR, "The Nagorno-Karabakh Republic is a sovereign, democratic, secular, legal and social state, where power belongs to the people."  The country has executive, legislative and judicial branches.  According to the Constitution of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh adopted in 2006, the head of the state is the President, who is elected for the term of five years and the same person may not be elected for more than two terms. It is the President, who is the guarantor of sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and security of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and he presents the country in the international relations. He is also the Commander-in-Chief.

The legislative body of the Republic is the unicameral National Assembly. The members of the Parliament are 33 elected for the period of five years. The Speaker of the Assembly is elected by the parliamentarians in a closed voting. As the official website of the NKR President writes, now the NKR National Assembly has 7 standing Committees  - on foreign affairs; industry and industrial infrastructures; finance, budget and economic management; legal and state affairs;  social issues; the issues of defense, security and legality; the issues of science, education, culture, youth and sports. It also has 3 factions – Democracy, Homeland, Dashnaktsutyun and Artsakhatun. The National Assembly adopts laws, decrees, resolutions, statements and appeals and its regular sessions are convened twice a year.

The Executive body of NKR is the Government with the head of the Prime Minister, who is appointed by the President of the country. The Government consists of 11 ministries. The Prime Minister chairs meetings of the Cabinet, which appoints and releases regional heads, except the Mayor of the capital Stepanakert. The mayor of the capital is being elected.

There is a three level judicial system in Artsakh - courts of first instance, court of appeal and Supreme Court, which also functions as Constitutional Court – it ensures Constitutional justice and the supremacy of Constitution. Courts in the country are independent and the judges are appointed for life until the age of 65.

 Thus the political system of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh is one typical to democratic countries and the fact that it is not recognized internationally does not hinder it to develop and further on strengthen its democracy and make the life of its people better.